Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Mary E. Pierce
- Type: Tugboat
- Year Built: 1871
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 22 gross tons (approx. 20 metric tonnes)
- Location: Lake Huron
- Official Number: 90724
- Original Owners: Not specified
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Mary E. Pierce was a wooden-hulled tugboat, a type of vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tugboats played a crucial role in assisting larger ships with navigation, docking, and towing, especially in harbors and through challenging waterways.
Description
Built in 1871, the Mary E. Pierce was a modestly sized tugboat with a gross tonnage of 22 (approx. 20 metric tonnes). While specific dimensions are not detailed in available records, vessels of this class were typically designed for maneuverability and strength to perform towing operations. Her wooden construction was standard for the era, prior to the widespread adoption of steel hulls.
History
On February 13, 1906, the Mary E. Pierce encountered a severe storm on Lake Huron. Details surrounding the incident are sparse, but it is recorded that the vessel stranded during the storm, leading to her total loss. There are no reports of casualties among the crew. The specific circumstances of the stranding, including the exact location and contributing factors, remain undocumented in the available sources.
Significant Incidents
- February 13, 1906: The Mary E. Pierce stranded during a storm on Lake Huron, resulting in total loss.
Final Disposition
Following the stranding incident, the Mary E. Pierce was declared a total loss. There is no information indicating that the wreck was salvaged or that any significant recovery efforts were undertaken. The absence of detailed records suggests that the incident, while unfortunate, may not have been deemed notable at the time, contributing to the lack of comprehensive historical data.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Mary E. Pierce has been located or surveyed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”mary-e-pierce-us-90724″ title=”References & Links”]
The Mary E. Pierce serves as a representative example of the numerous small working vessels that operated on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her loss in 1906 underscores the perils faced by such vessels, particularly during the harsh winter months when storms on the lakes could be sudden and severe. While the lack of detailed records limits our understanding of the specific circumstances surrounding her demise, the Mary E. Pierce remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Huron.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Mary E. Pierce
- Former Names: None
- Official Registration Number: 90724
- Date Built & Launched: 1871
- Builder: Not specified
- Construction: Wooden-hulled tug
- Tonnage: 22 gross tons (approx. 20 metric tonnes)
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Date Lost: February 13, 1906
- Location of Loss: Lake Huron (specific location not detailed)
- Cargo at Time of Loss: None
- Cause of Loss: Stranding during a storm
- Crew: No fatalities reported
- Final Disposition: Total loss
- Owner at Time of Loss: Not specified
- Sources: Great Lakes Shipwreck Files(Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, LSA Technology Services, Reddit)
Vessel Type
The Mary E. Pierce was a wooden-hulled tugboat, a type of vessel commonly used on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tugboats played a crucial role in assisting larger ships with navigation, docking, and towing, especially in harbors and through challenging waterways.
Description
Built in 1871, the Mary E. Pierce was a modestly sized tugboat with a gross tonnage of 22 (approx. 20 metric tonnes). While specific dimensions are not detailed in available records, vessels of this class were typically designed for maneuverability and strength to perform towing operations. Her wooden construction was standard for the era, prior to the widespread adoption of steel hulls.
History
On February 13, 1906, the Mary E. Pierce encountered a severe storm on Lake Huron. Details surrounding the incident are sparse, but it is recorded that the vessel stranded during the storm, leading to her total loss. There are no reports of casualties among the crew. The specific circumstances of the stranding, including the exact location and contributing factors, remain undocumented in the available sources.
Final Disposition
Following the stranding incident, the Mary E. Pierce was declared a total loss. There is no information indicating that the wreck was salvaged or that any significant recovery efforts were undertaken. The absence of detailed records suggests that the incident, while unfortunate, may not have been deemed notable at the time, contributing to the lack of comprehensive historical data.
Located By & Date Found
As of current records, there is no publicly available information indicating that the wreck of the Mary E. Pierce has been located or surveyed.
NOTMARs & Advisories
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Mary E. Pierce. Mariners operating in Lake Huron should consult the latest nautical charts and local notices for any updates.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The Mary E. Pierce serves as a representative example of the numerous small working vessels that operated on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her loss in 1906 underscores the perils faced by such vessels, particularly during the harsh winter months when storms on the lakes could be sudden and severe. While the lack of detailed records limits our understanding of the specific circumstances surrounding her demise, the Mary E. Pierce remains a part of the rich maritime history of Lake Huron.
Suggested Keywords & Categories
Keywords: Mary E. Pierce, tugboat, Lake Huron shipwreck, 1906 storm, Great Lakes maritime history
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, Great Lakes Maritime History, 20th-Century Vessels, Tugboats
Glossary Terms:
- Tugboat: A small, powerful boat designed to maneuver larger vessels by towing or pushing them, especially in harbors, over short distances.
- Stranding: A maritime incident where a vessel runs aground or is otherwise immobilized, often leading to damage or loss.
- Lake Huron: One of the five Great Lakes of North America, known for its significant role in maritime trade and numerous shipwrecks due to unpredictable weather conditions.
- Storm: A weather condition characterized by strong winds and often precipitation, posing significant hazards to maritime navigation.